JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Over the last couple of years, the Camden County Sheriff's Office has made headlines for how they have responded to questions of use of force and violence in the county jail. Next week, voters will decide who will face incumbent Sheriff Jim Proctor in the November general election.
Trevor Readdick is a Republican candidate on the ballot in the upcoming primary election. He was born and raised in Camden County. After starting his own construction company, he discovered a passion for public service and has been serving as a Camden County Commissioner for the last three years.
"If I hadn't had served on the commission and had that time, I wouldn't have been prepared to go down this path," Readdick explained.
Readdick said his decision to run for sheriff was made after seeing how the sheriff's office operates while he has been a commissioner.
"Really looking back at that, there's just been a lack of transparency, a lack of accountability,” Readdick said.
The Camden County Sheriff's Office is currently facing a deputy shortage, along with an overcrowded and run down jail, insurance woes, and a string of controversial traffic stops. Readdick said these issues can be fixed by taking a more proactive approach to leadership. He plans to use his experience in business to help manage the budget and resources, and plans to to work with county leaders to build a new jail. He also wants to make deputies more of a fixture in the county.
“I know there's a lot of other things going on in the jail, the courts, interdiction, but we've really got to get integrated and woven back into the fabric of our community," Readdick said.
Critics point out Readdick has never served in law enforcement. He will need to go through the police academy if election. Readdick said he is up for the challenge and believes his lack of experience could be the key to improving the culture of the sheriff's office.
“I think that's certainly been a point of concern, how would an organization take direction from somebody who's never served in that field? And just looking at it, I think it would be a process, but after a couple of months, I believe the deputies would initially see like, wow, this guy's actually investing in us and cares about what we have to say," Readdick said.
Georgia's Primary Election is May 21, 2024. To find your precinct and get more information on the election, click here.